Nanoparticle-Based Techniques for Preserving Fruit and Vegetables Postharvest Quality: Mechanism and Efficacy in Food Packaging Technology

Fruits and vegetables remain metabolically active even after harvest, undergoing excessive ripening, deterioration, and a reduction in postharvest lifespan. The postharvest losses of these commodities, primarily due to inadequate storage conditions, microbial spoilage, and oxidative stress, pose a significant challenge for global food security. Although various postharvest treatments, such as physical, gaseous, chemical, and other biological techniques, have been developed and widely used to mitigate postharvest losses, there are, however, some reported drawbacks associated with each treatment. Moreover, the postharvest losses continue to increase regardless of the available technologies for preserving quality. Consequently, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising tool for addressing these challenges by enhancing postharvest treatments, packaging, and coatings. For instance, diverse types of NPs, including carbon, polymeric, lipid, metal, and metal oxide-based nanoparticles, have been documented to have the potential to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by enhancing barrier properties, reducing microbial spoilage, and delaying senescence. Their efficacy, however, depends on various factors, such as the nature of the nanoparticle, formulation, application concentration, specific produce involved, and packaging conditions. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of NPs of different origins on the preservation and shelf-life extension of horticultural produce. It explores the efficacy and mechanisms of various NPs, including metal, carbon-based, polymeric, and lipid-based NPs, in postharvest management. The antimicrobial properties of NPs, their role in oxidative stress regulation, ethylene modulation, and their ability to reinforce packaging materials are also discussed. In addition, the synergistic effects of nanocomposites and hybrid materials to enhance food packaging performance are highlighted, alongside challenges such as regulatory concerns, potential toxicity, and environmental impact in ensuring safe and sustainable application. In this way, the review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on nanotechnology in postharvest management, providing insights into future research and commercial applications for improved food preservation strategies.